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Next, they moved onto the polka and finally, the waltz. Both required Owen to dance more intimately with her.
“You put your right hand around my waist,” she said.
Without a word, Owen glided his hand around her curvy waist. His large hand splayed across the small of her back, like a branding iron, spreading heat through her body.
Selena’s mouth went dry. She had to swallow before continuing. “Then you hold my other hand.”
Owen enfolded her right hand in his, then he drew her closer.
“It is not proper to hold a lady so close, sir.” Could he feel her pulse pounding in her wrist?
“Not even if the woman is my wife?” He spoke softly into her ear.
“Especially not one’s wife.” She turned ever so slightly to look at Owen. “People might think you have an affection for her, which is most unfashionable.”
“Ah,” Owen nodded. “But people will forgive me since I have no memory. I do not know what is fashionable, so I may do as I please, and I wish to keep my wife close by my side.” He pulled her even closer.
Dear Lord, the room felt hot, and it was hard to breathe. Her breasts brushed against Owen’s chest. Selena peered up. There was a hunger in Owen’s eyes, a look she had never seen before. It was a good thing he had a firm hold on her, else Selena might have swooned for the first time in her life.
“Shall I start, ma’am?”
Mrs. Finch’s voice brought Selena back to her senses. “Yes. Now watch my feet.”
Selena began with the polka, demonstrating the steps, starting with a small hop to start off the measure. She showed Owen how to take the steps, then pivot and begin again on the opposite foot. Then they increased the pace. The polka was similar to the waltz, so Owen easily picked up the slight nuances between the two dances and seamlessly transitioned to the three-step waltz.
Finally, Selena said the lesson was over. They would do it again tomorrow, but she was confident that Owen would be a competent dance partner. Selena thanked Mrs. Finch, then turned back to see Owen practicing the waltz steps.
“Aren’t you tired?”
“No.” He walked over, grabbed Selena by the waist, and twirled her around. “In fact, I feel invigorated.” They giggled as Owen guided them across the room. Then he got daring and went faster until they hit the couch and fell in a heap onto the cushions.
Selena landed on top of him. Wanting to protect her, Owen had pulled her tightly against him. Their mouths almost touched. The laughter died from their lips as they realized the intimacy of their proximity. Would he kiss her? Did she want to be kissed? Selena didn’t know the answer. Her heart pounded against his broad chest. Surely he could hear it.
But Owen did not lean in to kiss her. “My apologies. It seems I was too enthusiastic.”
“As was I. It’s been a long time since I have enjoyed myself so much.”
Owen ran his knuckle down her cheek. Her mouth opened in a silent sigh, and she closed her eyes.
“I’m glad you are happy and that I had something to do with it.”
Selena opened her eyes. This was madness. Was she actually falling for the man who had held her in icy disdain all these years? She had to put space between them. “I think I should dress for dinner.” Just like that, the spell was broken. She got off the couch, smoothing the wrinkles in her dress and internally trying to calm her emotions.
“Thank you for the lessons.” Owen straightened his jacket.
“You’re welcome. It was a pleasant way to pass the afternoon.” Her tone was neutral. At last, she met Owen’s gaze. He seemed to study her, as if trying to figure out why the sudden change in her attitude. “I will see you at dinner.”
Selena hurried out of the room. She needed time to collect herself, so she once again retreated to the one place she could be alone, the gardening shed. After putting on a pair of gloves, she plunged her hands into the cool dirt, feeling the lumps of earth fall through her fingers. There was a young rose bush that required replanting into a larger pot. The work was supposed to calm her, but all she kept thinking about was the feel of Owen’s hands on her body and how his breath had brushed over her face. God help her, she was precariously close to falling in love with her own husband.
